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Hearing Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026 · Transcript · 84 transcript matches
MCBRIDE, SARAH "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their bipartisan work on the bills this committee is considering today. While we've moved past consideration of the Foreign Service Modernization Act, I do want to come and speak in support of Representative Lawlor's bill, and I'm pleased that it just passed this committee. The Foreign Service Modernization Act makes critical updates to the Foreign Service Act to ensure our Foreign Service officers are equipped to meet the challenges of today's foreign policy and that our diplomats have the tools and support they..."
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter McCoy, of South Carolina, to be Ambassador to Montenegro, Daniel Travis, of California, a Career...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Aug 5, 2026 · Transcript · 2 transcript matches
SHAHEEN, JEANNE "Today, we will consider Mr. Travis' nomination to be ambassador to Sierra Leone. I'm pleased that we have a career Foreign Service officer to represent the United States in a country at the forefront of global outbreak preparedness and disease surveillance. Sierra Leone suffered more than 14,000 Ebola cases during the 2014-2016"
CRS Report
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Services
InFocus · Dec 3, 2025
Russia has an extensive foreign intelligence system composed of several overlapping agencies that compete for bureaucratic, political, and often economic influence within the Russian government....
CRS Report
U.S. Nationals and Foreign Military Service
Resources · Mar 28, 2022
Background International law grants rights to and imposes duties upon a neutral state during an armed conflict between belligerent nations. One of these duties is that neutral states shall not...
CRS Report
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service: An Overview
Reports · Nov 16, 2023
The United States is one of the top exporters of agricultural and food products. In 2022, the United States exported $196 billion in agricultural and food products, which accounted for about 20% of...
Hearing Business meeting to consider S.4726, to promote efforts to bring about stability and security in Sudan, S.3984, to authorize a 2-year extension of...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 17, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing Business meeting to consider the nominations of Darrell Owens, of Pennsylvania, to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jun 4, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing Business meeting to consider the nominations of Catherine Dillon, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary (Educational and Cultural Affairs),...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Apr 15, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing Restoring Mission Focus at the State Department: Authority, Accountability, and the Role of the Foreign Service
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Mar 18, 2026 · Request transcript
Hearing A hearing to examine the nominations of Sergio Gor, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of India, Herschel Walker, of Georgia, to be...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Sep 11, 2025 · Request transcript
Hearing Business meeting to consider S.190, to enhance the operations of the North Pacific Research Board, S.318, to require a plan to improve the...
senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee · May 21, 2025 · Request transcript
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fink, of New Hampshire, to be Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, David Fogel, of...
senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee · May 13, 2025 · Request transcript
Hearing Business meeting to consider the nominations of Andrew Hughes, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary and David Woll, of Virginia, to be General...
senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee · May 6, 2025 · Request transcript
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Andrew Hughes, of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary, David Woll, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of...
senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee · Apr 10, 2025 · Request transcript
Testimony MCBRIDE, SARAH
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their bipartisan work on the bills this committee is considering today. While we've moved past consideration of the Foreign Service Modernization Act, I do want to come and speak in support of Representative Lawlor's bill, and I'm pleased that it just passed this committee. The Foreign Service Modernization Act makes critical updates to the Foreign Service Act to ensure our Foreign Service officers are equipped to..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"I recognize myself. I oppose this amendment. The provision would align the purpose of the written and oral foreign service examinations with Section 101 of the Foreign Service Act. However, this amendment is overly prescriptive and would limit the State Department's ability to shape the Foreign Service Officer Assessment and Foreign Service Officer Test. Do any other members seek"
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"running rampant within that program taxpayer dollars will no longer fund ideological pet projects like these so I thank you for your work on this I urge my colleagues to support it any further discussion seeing none question now occurs on the amendment offered by representative Issa all those in favor say aye aye aye all those opposed no opinion of the chair the ayes have it the amendment is agreed to recorded vote has been requested that will be rolled yield back representative yields back do..."
Witness Dr. Rush Doshi
Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University · 2 hearings
Hearing Hearings to examine the nominations of Donald Blome, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Near Eastern Affairs), Christopher...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jul 16, 2026 · Transcript · 4 transcript matches
MCCORMICK, DAVID "Your ability to work with Brazil on these priorities will be key to our success. And last but not least, Mr. Socha, a career member of the Foreign Service, thank you for your service. The United States' relationship with Gambia has evolved dramatically in the past"
CRS Report
Transfer of Defense Articles: U.S. Sale and Export of U.S.-Made Arms to Foreign Entities
Reports · Mar 23, 2023
An extensive set of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures govern the sale and export of U.S.-origin weapons to foreign countries (“defense articles and defense services,” officially). Congress...
CRS Report
The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service: Overview and Reform Proposals
Report · Apr 15, 2026
The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS)FCS is a network of trade and industry specialists that supports U.S. companies looking to enter foreign markets and expand overseas. It is part of the...
CRS Report
High Court to Determine Proper Method to Serve Process on a Foreign Government
Posts · Mar 27, 2019
Update: On March 26, the Supreme Court held 8-1 in favor of Sudan, finding that the most natural reading of the statute requires the mailing of service of process directly and expeditiously to the...
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for working with us on the prior amendment, as well as for your partnership with your staff negotiating on this amendment in a bipartisan way. This provision reflects bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate, and I appreciate your team working with us on it. This amendment is a common-sense provision that reflects modern workforce realities. It ensures that professionals who are experienced are not forced out of service before they are eligible to receive..."
CRS Report
Russian Cyber Units
Resources · Feb 2, 2022
Russia has deployed sophisticated cyber capabilities to conduct disinformation, propaganda, espionage, and destructive cyberattacks globally. To conduct these operations, Russia maintains numerous...
Testimony TITUS, DINA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"disability rights programs. Annual reports to Congress would summarize the fellowship's work and outcomes. I urge all of my colleagues to support Judy's work and legacy by voting yes on this amendment and nothing can be more in our interest than recognizing someone who has contributed so much to so many of the people that we all know and love and work with who have disabilities. Thank rise in support of Amendment 316 to require that Deputy Chiefs of Mission, DCMs, be a career member of the..."
Hearing More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State and Commerce
house East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee · Jul 14, 2026 · Transcript · 3 transcript matches
THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR "And as you mentioned, Chairwoman, there is a subset of countries where the Foreign Commercial Service is not directly present, and so the State Department economic officers are performing the functions of the Foreign Commercial Service under the supervision of the Foreign Commercial Service. And absolutely, more training there would be welcome, and that's something that we want to do more"
Hearing U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Security Zones
house Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee · Jul 14, 2026 · Transcript · 3 transcript matches
BAIRD, JAMES R. "And so China is still continuing to push while conducting this kind of diplomacy, and the dual-use surveillance technology, critical mineral processing, next-generation communications infrastructure, and joint research initiatives offered as carrots can gain access and leverage over others. So as part of our effort to strengthen our economic security, we must ensure that our diplomats and foreign service officers have the background needed to science and technology to enhance our economic options. So we should ensure that the embassy staff receive training and have the necessary background to..."
CRS Report
Regulation of TikTok Under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act: Analysis of Selected Legal Issues
Posts · May 9, 2024
In April 2024, Congress enacted the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACAA) as part of a supplemental appropriations act (P.L. 118-50). The PAFACAA makes it...
CRS Report
“Things of Value” and the Foreign Contribution Ban
Posts · Oct 28, 2019
The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), as amended, prohibits foreign nationals from contributing money “or other thing[s] of value” in connection with a federal, state, or local election. A...
CRS Report
Farm Policy: USDA’s 2018 Trade Aid Package
Reports · Dec 5, 2019
In early 2018, the Trump Administration—citing concerns over national security and unfair trade practices—imposed increased tariffs on certain imported products in general and on U.S. imports from...
CRS Report
Trafficking in Persons: Grants for Victim Services in the United States
Reports · Mar 10, 2023
Trafficking in persons (TIP), also known as human trafficking, occurs across the United States and around the world. Traffickers exploit vulnerable individuals for commercial sex and forced labor in...
CRS Report
Foreign Nationals in the U.S. Armed Forces: Immigration Issues
Report · May 13, 2026
Enlistment and appointment in the U.S. Armed Forces is currently limited to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and residents of certain Pacific Islands (Freely...
CRS Report
Restricting TikTok (Part II): Legislative Proposals and Considerations for Congress
Posts · Mar 15, 2024
This Legal Sidebar is the second installment in a two-part series on U.S. efforts to regulate the video-sharing application (app) TikTok. The first installment provided legal background on executive...
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"and other lodging for home leave in between tours of service. Currently, Congress mandates through the Foreign Service Act that Foreign Service officers must take 30 days of so-called home leave in between tours of duty abroad. This 30 days of home leave must take place in the United States and is a way of ensuring that FSOs do not lose track of their American roots. I support home leave, and I believe it's an important way to ensure FSOs are connected to our country while they spend so much..."
Testimony JAYAPAL, PRAMILA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"dutifully promoting American interests and values. My amendment would recognize this service by ensuring that Foreign Service officers who have served our country for at least 18 years are not arbitrarily separated from the Foreign Service before being able to receive full pension"
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The cost of living crisis is, at its core, a housing crisis. Today, more than 75% of homes across the country are unaffordable for the typical American household. We should be working to ease that burden, especially for those who dedicate their careers to advancing our national security and representing the very best of our country. Under the military system, the basic allowance for housing provides tax-free housing support every year to roughly 1 million service..."
CRS Report
National Security Review Bodies (Part I): Legal Context and Comparison
Posts · Sep 6, 2023
Federal law creates several frameworks that allow the United States to review the national security risks posed by some private commercial transactions. These legal frameworks give the United States...
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"the supply chain, and the geopolitical dynamics that surround them. My amendment establishes a new course at the Foreign Service Institute that will provide Foreign Service officers with the foundational understanding of the semiconductor technology, U.S. semiconductor policy, export controls, chipset programs, and cooperation with"
Testimony AMO, GABE
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"and supporting good-paying jobs here at home. Finally, I'm proud to see that Foreign Service officers will not lose their residency in their home state for tax purposes because they were assigned to another location as part of their official duties Our Foreign Service officers sacrifice time with their families and friends to travel around the world to serve our nation, sometimes in dangerous locations. The least we can do is ensure that they do not lose the right to claim their home residency..."
Hearing “Defending Main Street: Combating CCP Threats to America’s Small Businesses.”
house Small Business Committee · Mar 25, 2026 · Transcript
VELÁZQUEZ, NYDIA M. "I would like to welcome Dr. Raj Doshi, who is an assistant professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service and the ZB Starr Senior Fellow for Asia and the director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations. Previously, Dr. Doshi served as the deputy senior director for China and Taiwan on the last administration's National Security Council. In that role, Dr. Doshi helped manage the NSC's first China directory, coordinated China and Taiwan policy, drafted President Biden's China Strategy, and served as a top negotiator in matters regarding the..."
CRS Report
Strong Dollar: Implications for U.S. Economy
Resources · Feb 6, 2023
Over the past decade the U.S. dollar has generally increased in value relative to other currencies, reaching new heights since the beginning of the current economic expansion. This appreciation...
Testimony JACOBS, SARA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Jacobs 216. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute, number 216. Further reading will be dispensed with. Representative Jacobs, you're recognized. My amendment would authorize two different hiring authorities, reappointing former officials and using limited appointments previously just used for former State Department Foreign Service officers to also apply to former USAID Foreign Service officers, civil service, and limited term appointments. Over a year ago, the Trump..."
Testimony JACOBS, SARA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"I yield back. I and the Rink members support Representative Amo's amendment to install a plaque at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center honoring the lives saved because of our foreign assistance programs. This plaque will be an important reminder to the Foreign Service officers receiving training at the center of why foreign assistance is such an integral part of America's global leadership role, and why their roles as Foreign Service officers are integral to carrying out that..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"qualifications and they want to go after diversity when this president want to appoint people with no qualifications for one of the most important positions ensure that former USAID Foreign Service officers can be hired into the State Department's Foreign Service at the same rank with the same benefits they retained previously. Well over a thousand USAID FSOs were fired without cause. And I think of those individuals who were in USAID who dedicated their lives to this country. I can recall..."
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. My amendment makes a common sense addition to the underlying bill. The Foreign Service Board of Examiners is tasked with periodically reviewing the Foreign Service exam. Their job is to determine whether the exam, in its current form, has any adverse impact on hiring, promotions, or other employment opportunities, and if so, suggestions on how to minimize such adverse impact. The Board is only required to report on its findings and suggestions to the Secretary..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"This amendment, it ensures that those qualifications are properly recognized and accounted for throughout the foreign service hiring process. It explicitly preserves merit-based hiring and existing foreign service qualification standards so veterans receive fair consideration while maintaining the rigor and professionalism of the diplomatic corps. This is a practical, common-sense step to strengthen our diplomatic workforce,"
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Their job is to determine whether the exam, in its current form, has any adverse impact on hiring, promotions, or other employment opportunities, and if so, suggestions on how to minimize such adverse impact. The Board is only required to report on its findings and suggestions to the Secretary annually. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration made significant changes to the Foreign Service exam with a specific focus on eliminating, quote, diversity, equity, and inclusion, unquote, and..."
Testimony TITUS, DINA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"ambassador is involved in. To be an effective DCM, you have to know the ins and outs of an embassy, how it functions, how the sections interact, what it's supposed to do, who it's supposed to know, etc. To do that, I believe you should be a career Foreign Service officer. So, my amendment is simple. It requires that only members of the Foreign Service can serve as a DCM at post. Now, there's a carve-out for the Secretary to allow for exceptions, so long as he certifies to Congress on a..."
Testimony SPEAKER_45
Department of State FY 2027 Budget Request: A Commitment to America Fi...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 3, 2026
"I think codifying these policies are important so that they exist for the long term, and I wanted to say one thing when it comes to the issues that people use the term diversity. The Foreign Service will always be diverse in comparison to maybe some other agencies simply because Foreign Service and international diplomacy often attract people that are first generation or maybe even immigrants themselves. They have language"
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"The justification was that these questions unfairly disadvantaged, quote, ordinary Americans, unquote, based upon their upbringing. But many career diplomats and the American Foreign Service Association have expressed concern that political ideology is now influencing a process that should remain focused on identifying the most qualified candidates to represent our nation abroad. So my amendment is simple. It requires that any question during the foreign service examination process be tied..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Recognize myself. I support this amendment, which amends the Foreign Service Act to add adherence to the United States Constitution as one of the core functions of the Foreign Service Act, a common sense initiative that strengthens the role of our diplomats by reinforcing fidelity to the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Restoring and reinforcing fidelity to the Constitution among our Foreign Service"
Testimony TITUS, DINA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"yes thank you the clerk shall distribute the amendment the amendment thank you mr. chairman I rise in support of my amendment number 312 to establish a foreign service officer career pathway for former USA ID officers this amendment inserts the text of my path to the Foreign Service Act into this bill it was introduced with Senator Brian Schatz earlier this year those who dutifully served as USA ID officers before the Trump administration wrongfully dismantled the agency included some of our..."
Testimony BERA, AMI
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"The challenges facing American diplomacy today require leaders who understand not only the Department of State, but also how foreign policy is developed and implemented across the broader national security, legislative, and international affairs communities. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Castro, for his leadership in developing the joint duty requirement provision in HR 9086, and I appreciate the Chairman and the Ranking Member for their bipartisan work to include it in the..."
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"assigned to domestic posts away from their home residents receive no housing assistance. They're expected to cover the full cost of housing at their assignment while continuing to maintain their primary residence. For example, a Maryland resident assigned to a State Department post in Anchorage receives no housing allowance despite being stationed far from home. This amendment would change that. It would establish a basic allowance for housing for members of the U.S. Foreign Service assigned to..."
Hearing Department of State FY 2027 Budget Request: A Commitment to America First Foreign Policy
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 3, 2026 · Transcript
SPEAKER_45 "I think codifying these policies are important so that they exist for the long term, and I wanted to say one thing when it comes to the issues that people use the term diversity. The Foreign Service will always be diverse in comparison to maybe some other agencies simply because Foreign Service and international diplomacy often attract people that are first generation or maybe even immigrants themselves. They have language"
Hearing A New Beginning for Colombia
house Western Hemisphere Subcommittee · Jul 15, 2026 · Transcript
SALAZAR, MARIA ELVIRA "And I also welcome Mr. Luis Mendez, who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Mendez has served as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in both Honduras and Costa Rica. So in other words, you know the region very well. And once again, thank you for being here with us. This committee recognizes the importance of issues before us and is grateful to have you here to speak in front of this"
Hearing Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife.
senate Environment and Public Works Committee · Jun 24, 2026 · Transcript
WHITEHOUSE, SHELDON "When people visiting the reflecting pool are being arrested, handcuffed, and dragged away by your police officers, you'd like to think that they have proper probable cause to arrest someone. I grew up in the foreign service, and there were plenty of countries in which arrests made to narrative that had no basis in fact was something that they did. The American system of justice has not operated that way. What can you tell me here today about what damage was done to the reflecting pool, where this 350-foot gash came from, and why tourists are being arrested?"
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"You know, fully funding the Foreign Commercial Service at Commerce would be throwing good money after bad. Commerce, as I mentioned, doesn't value the Foreign Commercial Service and it's evidenced by its cuts in their budget every year. The President doesn't support fully funding the Foreign Commercial Service. And we can all agree that Commerce's track record running the Foreign Commercial Service is suspect at best. Let's not pretend that shoveling a bunch of money to Commerce is going to..."
Hearing Examining Policies to Counter China
house Financial Services Committee · Feb 25, 2025 · Request transcript
Witness: Dr. Rush Doshi, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Testimony CASTRO, JOAQUIN
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Chairman. The Foreign Service exists to carry out the foreign policy of the United States, the policy set by the President and the Secretary of"
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"military experience provides valuable leadership cultural awareness operational expertise and experience working in complex international environments and often with foreign members of service this amendment does not waive any hiring requirements guarantee anyone a job or create special hiring pathway it additional hiring register points for qualified veterans in recognition of their various services to this country importantly it does not diminish any veterans preference already available..."
Testimony THE HONORABLE CALEB ORR
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"And as you mentioned, Chairwoman, there is a subset of countries where the Foreign Commercial Service is not directly present, and so the State Department economic officers are performing the functions of the Foreign Commercial Service under the supervision of the Foreign Commercial Service. And absolutely, more training there would be welcome, and that's something that we want to do more"
Testimony JACOBS, SARA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"These staff have expertise the department sorely needs, expertise in things like Ebola outbreak response and conflict mitigation in Nigeria and global health programs. We should make it easier to hire them so that we can benefit from their know-how. It would help add capacity and improve delivery and oversight of our foreign service, strengthen U.S. national security, and advance our foreign policy goals. This should not be a controversial amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support"
Testimony AMO, GABE
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"not forcefully buying an ally that does not want to become part of the United States. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting my amendment, and I yield back. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting my amendment and I yield back. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would require a plaque at the Foreign Service Institute honoring the lives saved by our foreign assistance programs. It's a simple idea with a simple purpose,"
Testimony JACOBS, SARA
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"The NSC helps advise the President on foreign policy matters. The list goes on. And we know that each of these agencies operates a little differently with a different mandate or specialty, and too often they're all working in silos, so decisions get made without cross-agency understanding. This is a structural problem, and my amendment aims to help address it. By creating joint duty assignments, we are allowing foreign service officers to build the kind of broad, integrated understanding of..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Through this effort that we're trying to do through this legislation But let's be real honest here The current system is not serving American businesses as well as we would like and I addressed that in my opening statement I hear that from the businesses in my district and I know Others hear the same concerns from your district whenever you go home This bill does not remove commerce from any post and it does not say the foreign commercial service is not needed or welcome This bill simply says..."
Testimony BIGGS, SHERI
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Mr. Chairman, our veterans have served on the front lines of American foreign policy in ways that no classroom or exam can replicate. An airman who served multiple overseas tours and earned decorations for exceptional service has demonstrated exactly the kind of character, resilience, and leadership our foreign service needs. It is time the State Department's hiring process reflects that reality and honors the sacrifices this nation asks of its finest"
Testimony THE HONORABLE DAVID FOGEL
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"strengthen our operations, modernize our approach, and better align resources with the Administration's commercial priorities. Under my direction, Global Markets is concentrating its efforts where our expertise, global presence, and commercial tools can have the greatest impact on economic growth, job creation, and economic security. In short, the Department of Commerce strongly values the Foreign Commercial Service and the vital role it plays in advancing America's commercial interests abroad...."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Ranking Member Meeks pointed out a few things as to why he couldn't support this bill. And one of that is, obviously, we recognize the Foreign Commercial Service is doing an excellent job. There is no doubt that the men and women serving in the Foreign Commercial Service today are giving all they can to the mission. Their dedication and service are to be"
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"So I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Foreign Service Exam is designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge, skills, and potential to serve as America's diplomats. It assesses the qualifications necessary to succeed in foreign service, from composure to cultural adaptability, teamwork, written communication. It assesses the qualifications necessary to succeed in foreign service, from composure to cultural adaptability, teamwork,..."
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"amendment is dispensed I recognize myself for five minutes in support of my amendment this amendment would wreck would require that any Foreign Service Institute materials or training are consistent with American values and American first principles ensuring that Foreign Service trainings align with core national principles such as constitutionalism democracy and free market ideals guarantees that America's foreign policy remains focused on Institute materials or training are consistent with..."
Testimony VELÁZQUEZ, NYDIA M.
“Defending Main Street: Combating CCP Threats to America’s Small Busin...
house Small Business Committee · Mar 25, 2026
"I would like to welcome Dr. Raj Doshi, who is an assistant professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service and the ZB Starr Senior Fellow for Asia and the director of the China Strategy Initiative at the Council on Foreign Relations. Previously, Dr. Doshi served as the deputy senior director for China and Taiwan on the last administration's National Security Council. In that role, Dr. Doshi helped manage the NSC's first China directory, coordinated China and Taiwan..."
Testimony OLSZEWSKI, JOHNNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"This amendment moves us in that direction. It would train our foreign service officers in international labor and economic policy so they can identify and address forced labor, child labor, and unsafe conditions in supply chains. It is a practical step that aligns our foreign policy with our values and our economic interests. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield"
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Ms. Titus I recognize myself for five minutes I oppose this amendment the State Department is in the middle of an important reorganization one focused on delivering foreign aid more efficiently and effectively this amendment goes against that effort creating a special pathway to copy and paste former USA ID officers into the Foreign Service would drag the old way of doing business back into the State Department for years taxpayer dollars went to programs that did not serve the American people..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Pursuant to House rules, I request that members have the opportunity to submit views for any Committee report that may be produced on any of today's measures and also, without objection, so ordered. Pursuant to notice, I now call up H.R. 9086, the Foreign Service Modernization Act. The bill was circulated in advance and the Clerk shall designate the"
Testimony CLERK
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"H.R. 9086, to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to modify and improve that Act. H.R. 9062, to increase the capacity and effectiveness of the department in supporting American businesses operating overseas and protecting American industries from adversaries and for other"
Testimony LAWLER, MICHAEL
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my bill, the Foreign Service Modernization Act, and I thank you for entrusting me with this process. Foreign Service officers are on the front lines of American"
Testimony LAWLER, MICHAEL
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Their work is essential to advancing our national security and protecting American interests around the world. But while the mission remains vital, the world has changed dramatically since the Foreign Service Act was last updated in 1980. Now we are confronting increased competition from adversaries like China and working to strengthen relationships with partners in the Middle"
Testimony LAWLER, MICHAEL
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Additionally, emerging technologies are reshaping international affairs, sparking new economic and security challenges that require a modern diplomatic workforce. Our Foreign Service should reflect those changes. The Foreign Service Modernization Act is designed to ensure that our diplomatic institutions are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Foreign Service Modernization Act is designed to ensure that our diplomatic institutions are prepared to meet the challenges of the..."
Testimony LAWLER, MICHAEL
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"It means ensuring that taxpayer resources are directed towards clear strategic objectives and measurable outcomes. The Foreign Service Modernization Act represents an important step towards achieving those goals. It will help ensure that America's diplomatic corps remains agile, accountable, and focused on the challenges that matter most to our nation's security and"
Testimony LAWLER, MICHAEL
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"My legislation also provides ambassadors with increased authorities over their posts where they know best. Additionally, it trials a diplomatic reserve corps to deploy diplomats during times of emergencies. Importantly, the bill enhances career, development, and training opportunities for our diplomats and provides more streamlined pathways for veterans to join the Foreign Service. This bill comes after months of hearings and roundtables to better understand the needs of our diplomats. I look..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me say at the outset I urge my colleagues to support this Foreign Service Modernization Act. This legislation includes needed provisions focused on equipping our diplomats with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance our U.S. interests and values in this century. The bill improves training opportunities for Foreign Service officers in critical minerals and artificial intelligence and other"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"We owe our nation's diplomats better than unfounded attacks on their patriotism or slashing of the budgets that support their work. State Department Foreign Service officers have been putting America first long before it became a slogan. And we should be doing all that we can to ensure that our State Department remains the world's premier diplomatic corps. That is why I will keep pressing for stronger provisions to address the Trump Administration's arbitrary reduction in force from July 25,..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"I also look forward to continuing to work with Congressional colleagues and the Department of State as this bill moves forward to further refine this legislation to ensure it meets real needs in a very achievable way. But with that, let me just say and thank Chairman Mass and Representative Lawler for their work in working collectively in pursuing a bipartisan bill to better prepare the dedicated public servants of our Foreign Service so they can excel in a rapidly changing international..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"So basically in 50 years. And it does a number of important things. It does strengthen the leadership, the management, the oversight throughout the Foreign Service while providing our diplomats with tools and authorities that they need to meet today's challenges, which are different than when the Foreign Service Act was initially passed. It restores mission focus. It reinforces accountability. which are different than when the Foreign Service Act was initially passed. It restores mission focus...."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"But why invest more in an agency that has shown no sustained interest in the mission? H.R. 9062 creates a specialization within the foreign service dedicated to commercial diplomacy. It acknowledges the external economic challenges we face and the structural limits of our current"
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"This assessment should give all of us pause. In addition, creating a new cadre of commercial diplomatic officers without an authorization of appropriations risks cutting into states' already limited resources, meaning fewer staff already limited resources, meaning fewer staff and resources for the remaining Foreign Service cones. This is why the American Foreign Service Association also opposes this bill. The best way to enhance commercial diplomacy would be to fully fund and resource FCS. This..."
Testimony MAST, BRIAN J.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"This bill represents my commitment to the members of this committee. This is an important step, and having votes on this provision will enable me to go forth and fight for these priorities as we move into conference of the Foreign Service Act and the State Authorization Bill. There are roughly 120 amendments, and I know we both look very forward to robust"
Testimony BIGGS, SHERI
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"who led teams in some of the most dangerous corners of the world, who built trust with local populations and foreign partners in ways that no foreign service exam can measure, and who were then told, in effect, that their experience didn't quite fit the mold the State Department was looking"
Testimony WILSON, JOE
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"And then, indeed, Congresswoman Biggs is being too humble and it should be acknowledged that she herself is currently a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard, and so she knows firsthand the capabilities of our service members and the talents they have. And so we so appreciate Sherry Biggs and what she means to the people of South Carolina and her support for veterans and her support for a dynamic foreign policy and capable persons to serve in the foreign service. With that, I yield..."
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thank you, Chairman Mass for your support. America's foreign service officers should prioritize the United States' interest above all else. My amendment would codify President Trump's efforts to ensure that foreign service training remains focused purely on advancing American sovereignty and our national security, not woke ideologies that do nothing to keep American citizens safe. My amendment would codify President Trump's efforts to ensure that foreign service training remains focused purely..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"former service members have opportunities to serve in the State Department. For those reasons, I oppose and I yield back. I oppose this amendment. The State Department of Foreign Service Officers have been putting America first long before it became a slogan, and the President would benefit from learning from their service to this country, their compassion, and their expertise. Members of the Foreign Service take an oath to uphold the Constitution, not to any one individual, but to the people..."
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"At the end, without further objection, the reading of the amendment is suspended with I am recognized myself for five minutes in support of this amendment. In 1924, the United States Foreign Service was created to merge the country's diplomatic and consular systems into one professional merit-based career service in response to America's expanding role on the global stage after World War I. Today, the United States maintains a network of 270 diplomatic posts with over 69,000"
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"With America undertaking more diplomatic efforts than ever before, we must ensure that only the best of the best are representing this great nation on the world stage. My amendment would ensure that foreign service promotions are based on an individual's merit, not diversity, equity, inclusion, or accessibility DEIA initiatives. Under the Biden Administration, the Foreign Service was more focused on prioritizing radical woke ideologies than advancing America's national interest. This led to..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"It has told the American people to justify firing qualified experts in place of inexperienced loyalists. Under previous administrations, both Republican and Democratic, the State Department has rightly focused on ensuring its workforce was more, not less, representative of America, ensuring that our Foreign Service officers reflect the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of Americans from all 50 states. This amendment would bring the State Department back and make it far less..."
Testimony JACKSON, RONNY
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"Thankfully, President Trump has taken decisive action to withdraw the U.S. from UNRWA and eliminate all funding to the organization so that American taxpayer dollars are never used to subsidize terrorism again. This amendment would build off of President Trump's efforts to hold UNRWA accountable and ensure that U.S. Foreign Service officers are not promoting, supporting, or advancing the work of UNRWA in any official capacity. As representatives of the United States, our Foreign Service..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"This amendment is short-sighted and will unnecessarily restrict our State Department from doing their job. I yield back. Foreign Service Institute which serves as a training ground for the patriotic American seeking to serve their country already bases its curriculum on core American interests it does not need lessons from the Trump administration on what our values are not and I'm also concerned that the language in this amendment will be used to weaponize efforts that focus on addressing..."
Testimony STANTON, GREG
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"everyone benefits. That's true here in the United States, and it is true around the world. That's why I strongly support the establishment of the Judy Heumann Foreign and Civil Service Disability Fellowship, named after one of the leading disability rights advocates in our nation's history. This fellowship recognizes a simple truth. If we want disability inclusion to be a priority in our foreign policy and our government institutions, we need leaders with the knowledge, expertise to advance..."
Testimony MEEKS, GREGORY W.
Various Measures
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jun 9, 2026
"should be voting for. So I strongly support Representative Titus's work and amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. Any other members seek recognition? Look, I think it's common sense. It's crucial that we ensure that the deputy chief of mission position is filled by a career member of the Foreign Service. This actually is very important for an ambassador who's never gone to school as far as diplomacy is concerned, who's never been, because sometimes when you're appointed, never been in..."
Testimony KIM, YOUNG
More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State an...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"with the right skills deliver results at post. In May, I introduced H.R. 9062, the BOOST American Business Act that provides targeted commercial diplomacy training to State Department personnel who are already performing this work where FCS is absent. It established a foreign service specialization to build portable expertise without duplicating FCS efforts or displacing commerce personnel. The aim is simple. Equip those doing the job today to do it better while respecting FCS contributions...."
Testimony SHAHEEN, JEANNE
Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter McCoy, of South Carolina,...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Aug 5, 2026
"Today, we will consider Mr. Travis' nomination to be ambassador to Sierra Leone. I'm pleased that we have a career Foreign Service officer to represent the United States in a country at the forefront of global outbreak preparedness and disease surveillance. Sierra Leone suffered more than 14,000 Ebola cases during the 2014-2016"
Testimony DANIEL TRAVIS
Hearings to examine the nominations of Peter McCoy, of South Carolina,...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Aug 5, 2026
"My wife, Kasia, who's here with me today, and our children, Magdalena and Jason, for their unwavering support over my 25 years of service to the United States. Since joining the Foreign Service September 10th, 2001, they have accompanied me at postings in seven countries across three continents. Without them, I would not be"
Testimony MCCORMICK, DAVID
Hearings to examine the nominations of Donald Blome, of Illinois, to b...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jul 16, 2026
"Your ability to work with Brazil on these priorities will be key to our success. And last but not least, Mr. Socha, a career member of the Foreign Service, thank you for your service. The United States' relationship with Gambia has evolved dramatically in the past"
Testimony ROSEN, JACKY
Hearings to examine the nominations of Donald Blome, of Illinois, to b...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jul 16, 2026
"Our military commitments – we owe that to the men and women and their families who serve our country and, of course, our diplomatic strategy. And Blaster to Bloom, I'm encouraged that the administration has nominated a distinguished career member of the Senior Foreign Service to lead the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at such a pivotal time. Having served in both Democrat and Republican administrations, you understand the value of diplomacy, institutional expertise, and congressional"
Testimony DONALD BLOME
Hearings to examine the nominations of Donald Blome, of Illinois, to b...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jul 16, 2026
"Chairman McCormick, Ranking Member Rosen, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the privilege of coming before you today as the president's nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. I have spent more than 30 years in the Foreign Service. Much of that in the countries covered by this bureau, and I am honored that President Trump nominated me for this"
Testimony LAURENCE J. SOCHA
Hearings to examine the nominations of Donald Blome, of Illinois, to b...
senate Foreign Relations Committee · Jul 16, 2026
"dedicating a third of my career to strengthening U.S. relationships in Africa. I have spent most of that career sharing the American story with foreign audiences, alongside my outstanding foreign service colleagues and our interagency partners. While I am clear-eyed about the security challenges I witnessed in Nigeria and"
Testimony SALAZAR, MARIA ELVIRA
A New Beginning for Colombia
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 15, 2026
"And I also welcome Mr. Luis Mendez, who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Mendez has served as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in both Honduras and Costa Rica. So in other words, you know the region very well. And once again, thank you for being here with us. This committee recognizes the importance of issues before us and is grateful to have you here to..."
Testimony BAIRD, JAMES R.
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"And so China is still continuing to push while conducting this kind of diplomacy, and the dual-use surveillance technology, critical mineral processing, next-generation communications infrastructure, and joint research initiatives offered as carrots can gain access and leverage over others. So as part of our effort to strengthen our economic security, we must ensure that our diplomats and foreign service officers have the background needed to science and technology to enhance our economic..."
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"And part of that is also because financing is so important and you can't have export credit agency or development finance funding without having some kind of sovereign backing. So when we succeed in these markets, we are very pleased to endorse the efforts of some of our finest civil servants who are our political econ officers, our ambassadors, our chargees, the affairs, our commercial service officers. Some of them are just extraordinary. But the point that was made earlier about our foreign..."
Testimony MR. PAUL SULLIVAN
U.S. Economic Security and Investment Abroad: Assessing Economic Secur...
house Foreign Affairs Committee · Jul 14, 2026
"It varies from embassy to embassy, individual to individual. Some folks join the Foreign Service with different motives in mind. Others have embraced this turn that's about a decade long of commercial diplomacy and moving American business forward, which keeps coming back to the point that you raised in your remarks at the top of the program here, which are economic security is national security. So the idea that this is just some business that's topping off coffers for American companies, it's..."
Testimony WHITEHOUSE, SHELDON
Hearings to examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly, of Texas, to be Ass...
senate Environment and Public Works Committee · Jun 24, 2026
"When people visiting the reflecting pool are being arrested, handcuffed, and dragged away by your police officers, you'd like to think that they have proper probable cause to arrest someone. I grew up in the foreign service, and there were plenty of countries in which arrests made to narrative that had no basis in fact was something that they did. The American system of justice has not operated that way. What can you tell me here today about what damage was done to the reflecting pool, where..."